Bureau Veritas launches certification scheme for renewable hydrogen

Bureau Veritas has developed a holistic certification system for renewable hydrogen, thus contributing to the energy transition.

In the context of the energy transition, the development and guarantee of sustainable energy generation, storage as well as distribution is a particular challenge. For this reason, Bureau Veritas has developed a new certification system. It is the result of demands from hydrogen producers and consumers for holistic standards adapted to the rapidly expanding global hydrogen market.

Joerg Gmeinbauer, Global Vice President, Power & Utilities at Bureau Veritas, comments:

"Energy players have announced plans for renewable hydrogen plants that will produce energy in the gigawatt range. Many of these projects will need to demonstrate transparency and show credibility to secure the required upfront financing to start plant construction. At the same time, future hydrogen off-takers want to ensure that they will be able to meet their expectations related to ESG, Safety and GHG emissions. With the launch of this certification scheme, Bureau Veritas will provide a bridge, bringing transparency in both directions to all stakeholders.“

A certification scheme to protect plant developers and hydrogen end users

The Bureau Veritas Renewable Hydrogen Certification Scheme will, on the one hand, support the expansion of production capacities for renewable hydrogen produced by water electrolysis using electricity from renewable sources. It will also enable developers of such plants to demonstrate their project financeability to lenders and investors in order to obtain funding at the early planning stage. First, Bureau Veritas evaluates the renewable hydrogen production facility against ESG criteria, safety-related requirements and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the origin of the renewable energy used for electrolysis is verified. If all requirements are met, a certificate is issued.

Once the plant is operational, Bureau Veritas conducts an on-site verification audit to ensure that the certification scheme criteria are met. The scope of this audit covers the production of hydrogen by electrolysis, including the storage of the hydrogen. Furthermore, it includes process and occupational safety and defines comprehensive sustainability requirements such as environmental impact and water sourcing. The carbon footprint calculation is based on a life cycle analysis methodology that also includes upstream emissions resulting from the origin of the electricity used and the water desalination process. If all criteria are met, a certificate is issued for the renewable hydrogen production plant in operation. 

A label to prove that the hydrogen was produced under safe and sustainable conditions and from renewable energies

After the amount of hydrogen produced by the certified plant has been verified, the final step is the issuance of the label. The label stipulates that the plant must have a carbon footprint of less than 2 kg of CO2 equivalent per kilogram of hydrogen. To maintain the label, a quarterly review of hydrogen production and electricity consumption from renewable sources is required.

Bureau Veritas is a major player in the energy industry, present at all stages of the renewable and alternative energy production chain. This certification scheme is in line with Bureau Veritas' commitment, as part of its BV Green Line,  to provide services and solutions that support the energy transition and are focused on sustainability. Bureau Veritas plans to expand the program to include green ammonia and low-carbon hydrogen in 2023. By developing comprehensive expertise along the hydrogen value chain, Bureau Veritas is able to support the decarbonization of all sectors for the benefit of people and the planet globally.

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